Seoul --

Kia Motors Corp., South Korea's number two auto maker, yesterday forecast a 24-per-cent rise in 2005 sales to 1.34 million units, underpinned by solid foreign demand and an expected pick-up in weak domestic sales. Kia, an affiliate of the country's top auto maker Hyundai Motor Co., expected 2005 sales to be worth 20.07 trillion won ($23.3-billion). Kia's rosy outlook for this year compares with a near 14-per-cent rise to 2.39 million units forecast by Hyundai, which controls half the home market and is aiming to lift its sales, combined with Kia, into the global top five by 2010. But analysts said the outlook for 2005 remained murky. "A softer dollar weakens export competitiveness in terms of prices and a global trend of higher interest rates will make consumers more hesitant about auto purchases," said Kim Hag-ju, an auto analyst at Samsung Securities. Exports make up 60 per cent of Hyundai Motor's earnings. 000270 (Kia, Seoul) fell 300 (35 cents) won to 10,600. 005380 (Hyundai, Seoul) was unchanged at 55,100 won. Reuters